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Modern life depends on constant upgrade; but I am sitting this one out.
My 5-year-old laptop runs on Windows 10, and it cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. Turbotax 2025 cannot run on it, and I’d rather avoid using the online version. Schwab’s ThinkorSwim app for stock market data display and transactions will stop supporting the Windows 10 version. Since Windows 10 support already stopped, I also worry about the security of my laptop with all the personal data stored locally. I am hesistant about buying a Windows 11 PC due to the fast evolving AI features and hardware requirements.
It appears that I am one among the estimated 40% of Windows 10 users who postpone the ugrade. A key factor in this hesitation is the security risk associated with Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs and their new Recall feature. Recall stores periodic snapshots of screen activity locally on the device. The concern is that if the PC is compromised by malware or a tech support scammer, this searchable database could potentially expose sensitive information like personal IDs, emails, and account logins displayed on the screen.
Microsoft addressed public outcry by modifying the feature’s design: Recall data is now encrypted and protected with Windows Hello, and the feature is Opt-in rather than being enabled by default. However, non-tech-savvy users may still be prompted during setup and consent to the ‘searchable memory’ feature without fully understanding the data storage implications.
Achieving maximum security often requires manually disabling or uninstalling Recall—a task that is often too technical for the average user. When seeking guidance on security settings, my interaction with Gemini AI eventually led to a suggestion that I should either secure professional tech support to configure a new Copilot+ PC or consider alternative operating systems, such as macOS, iPadOS, or ChromeOS, for a simpler and more immediately secured experience.
Buying a new PC these days takes more than cash, it takes mental vigilance. Don’t ask what AI can do for you; ask what it could do to you.
This is why I have been a Linux user since 2018! And it will run perfectly well on the 5-year old laptop – my computers are older than that.
For beginners, I recommend Linux Mint.
Great recommendation for users who can manage the transition to Linux PC. I tried Knoppix live CD back in 2002, and several other distros over the years but none quite met my needs – until this week. I repurposed my 13-year-old Windows laptop with Linux Mint Cinnamon. I’m impressed by how much Linux has vastly matured in usability, even on old hardware.
One thing that is a little odd – Windows 11 was introduced in Oct 2021. A machine that is only 5 years old now (2020 purchase) should be upgradable to Windows 11. You may have enable TPM 2.0 in your bios to do that.
Thanks for the tip. On my laptop, system says “no TPM found.” It might mean TPM 1.2 exists in BIOS, still not meeting full requirements for Windows 11.
A slightly techie way to help old hardware accept the Win10 -> Win11 upgrade is to use “Rufus”. Google it. I’ve upgraded all my Win10 instances to Win11 and they run just fine. My oldest laptop is from 2006 and is running Win11 without issues. Regular Windows Updates run okay, too.
Thanks for the tip. I spent a few hours learning about this registry bypass. I am not sure if some programs that requires Windows 11 will be stable if TPM 2.0 is bypassed, while my Windows 10 is already proven to be stable and should remain stable for 1 more year with Extended Security Update from Microsoft.
Looks interesting. Thanks!!
It’s a good option – I have a 10 year old machine that I did this with and it works fine.
Your concerns are valid. It seems that with some inconvenience and a bit of technical knowledge, most people can overcome the issues you’ve mentioned. But have you considered the other side of this situation? Your current operating system, Windows 10, will gradually become a security risk once Microsoft ends update support. Without security patches, vulnerabilities will inevitably be exploited by bad actors. It’s a rock and a hard place scenario—the PC ecosystem’s planned obsolescence sometimes fails to serve its customers well.
I still can get 1 more year of security updates for my existing Windows 10 with the Extended Security Update (ESU) beyond October 2025. Let the Windows 11 early adopters work out the complexities. Procrastinators, unite and enjoy the show!